If you’re looking for a Muskegon home that supports sustainable living, you’re not alone. Due to the fact environmental awareness is at an all-time high, it is causing a lot of people to seek new ways to preserve resources, reuse materials, and change consumption habits. Not just the positive impact on the environment, these sustainable habits also influence individual consumption practices. This is why they are gaining popularity all over the world. Here are ten ideas that you can use to get started as a renter so that you can produce a more sustainable lifestyle.
1. Avoid single-use items
It sounds simple, but refraining from single-use items may be more of a challenge than you think. A few examples of items that are made to be used once and then thrown away would be plastic straws, paper towels, plastic cutlery, and so on. If you’re just starting out, trimming down the amount of these products you use can be a great first step!
2. Opt-out of plastic bags
Plastic shopping bags are another single-use item that is clogging up landfills and oceans. While recycling your plastic bags is can be a good start, you should also take into account not using plastic altogether. And you can do this by using reusable shopping bags.
3. Reuse and recycle
Many of the products we purchase come in containers, and this could be put to further use or recycled. For example, you have the option to repurpose glass jars, boxes, and other items to make them into creative home décor. And things like cardboard, wood, aluminum, and glass can often be recycled. These are all possible ways to create a more sustainable lifestyle.
4. Only buy what you need
Aside from reusing and recycling when you get the chance to, you should also reduce the number of items you buy or opt for bulk items with less packaging. If you only buy what you need and try to select containers that take up less space, you can simplify your life while transforming it to be more sustainable.
5. Make your own cleaning products
Because a lot of cleaning products are not recyclable or biodegradable, buying them can be a waste. Consider manufacturing your cleaning products to avoid having waste (and harsh chemicals, to boot). A lot of things in your home can be cleaned properly with simple ingredients and a soft rag.
6. Bring the outdoors in
Turn to attractive greenery to brighten and freshen any room. Houseplants not only aid in freshening indoor air, but they also provide natural beauty to your home.
7. Utilize natural light
A good way to get sustainable, renewable energy sources is to allow more natural light into your home. If possible, turn off electric lights and open your blinds and shades to light up your home. You can save energy while getting a mood boost from the sunlight.
8. Cut down on energy use
Besides turning off lights that are not being used, also consider unplugging electrical appliances when they are not being used. Televisions, game systems, lamps, and other things still use electricity even when they are in sleep mode or turned off. By unplugging them, you are able to reduce your energy use as a whole and maybe save a bit on your utility bills, too.
9. Adjust your thermostat
A sustainable approach to heating and cooling your home is to have a consistent temperature indoors. You may think you can save money by only using the furnace or air conditioner when you’re home, but trying to rapidly heat or cool a house can use up a lot of energy and put a strain on your HVAC system. So maybe try setting your thermostat maybe one or two degrees warmer in the summer or a bit cooler in winter, and leave it there. This is may become more efficient and energy-conscious in the long run.
10. Conserve water
Along with conserving energy, there are a couple of things you can do to save water, too. Turning off the taps while brushing your teeth, soaping up in the shower, or washing dishes are a couple of things you should always try to do. You should be utilizing water-conserving appliances whenever possible, and capture and reuse water whenever you can.
Being a renter doesn’t mean you can’t live a sustainable life. But the rental house you are in can either make it easier or harder to reach the sustainability you want. If you’re ready for a rental home that better supports your desired lifestyle, reach out to Real Property Management Investment Solutions or check out our listings online.
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